Sunday, 16 June 2013

MAKING TRACKS: Hansle Parchment signs on as new Grace ambassador + Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ventures into the hair biz

STAR QUALITY: Olympian Hansle Parchment was officially named a brand ambassador for Grace Foods (and the face of the company's new aloe vera beverages) during a brief function at Grace's downtown Kingston headquarters on Friday. "I am blessed and honoured to be associated with the brand that has become a household name," says Parchment, "and I assure you I will live up to the highest expectations." The 22-year-old UWI Mona undergrad (he's reading for a psychology degree) won bronze in the 100M hurdles finals at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and is now looking ahead to this month's national senior championships and the avidly awaited World Champs in Russia later this summer. "We know his future is bright. His dedication and drive tell us all we need to know," observes Grace's Don Wehby. "We are proud to have him as our ambassador and excited about the results of this collaboration." Parchment is the second top athlete tapped to serve as a Grace ambassador. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce signed on in 2008.

HAIR AND NOW: And speaking of the Pocket Rocket, the sprint queen has added entrepreneur/businesswoman to her blossoming résumé, with the launch of her new hair store, Chic, located in the heart of Barbican, St. Andrew. The official opening was well-supported last Thursday, with appearances by numerous well-wishers and colleagues from the athletics fraternity, including MVP Track Club's Bruce James and Asafa Powell (above).